Thabiso Lebitso opens up on Orlando Pirates’ right-back battle

Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Lebitso has downplayed the intense internal competition at Mayfair, insisting that the club’s pursuit of a historic treble outweighs individual starting spots.

The Buccaneers have undergone a significant transformation this season under Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou. With high-profile arrivals like Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule, the Soweto giants have already filled their trophy cabinet with the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup titles.

The Fight for the “Dethroning” Season, According to Pirates’ Lebitso

As Pirates look to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year stranglehold on the Betway Premiership, squad depth has become Ouaddou’s greatest weapon. This is most evident at right-back, where the 34-year-old Lebitso finds himself in a four-way tussle for minutes against Deano Van Rooyen, Bandile Shandu, and newcomer Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Despite the crowded ranks, Lebitso—who has clocked 14 appearances and one assist this term—maintains a selfless outlook.

“I don’t think viewing it [competition] as who can take your position is the right way. Playing for Orlando Pirates is about working together,” Lebitso told the media.

With the league title race reaching a fever pitch, Lebitso believes the grueling nature of the South African football calendar requires a “all hands on deck” approach rather than individual rivalry.

“We want to win trophies, we want to win the league. As I said, the league is a marathon, and we need everyone. It’s not about who plays or who isn’t playing,” Lebitso explained.

The defender emphasised the importance of professional readiness in a squad that recently dismantled TS Galaxy 6-0 before the current FIFA international break.

“Whenever you get a chance to play, you take it wholeheartedly. If you’re not playing, you wait for your chance and support the team.”

Under Ouaddou’s enterprising brand of football, Pirates head into the final stretch of the season as the most credible threat to the status quo, bolstered by a dressing room that seems to have bought into the “team-first” philosophy.